HAMZAH SHEERAZ has rammed Bradley Skeete’s threats back at him, taunting: “You’ve never smashed anyone.”

The red-hot Ilford prospect makes the fourth defence of his WBO European Super-Welterweight title against Skeete at Copper Box Arena, London on Saturday December 4, live on BT Sport.

It’s a huge step up for Sheeraz, while former British Welterweight champion Skeete must win to keep his big-time career alive.

Sheeraz, 22, who trains in Los Angeles under Ricky Funez said: “I have seen a few interviews where he said he wants to come and smash my face in.

“In the most respectful way possible I don’t think Bradley has smashed anybody’s face in.

“He has outboxed opponents and outclassed them, but in all honesty he has smashed no one’s face in.

“I’m hoping he does try to do that because it will be an even more entertaining fight to meet him in the middle of that ring.

“This a good fight, no it’s a great fight and as Frank Warren described it’s a breakout for me.”

Although Sheeraz jumped at the chance to face Skeete when the fight was offered he never expected to meet his South London rival who trains in Sheffield under Dominic Ingle.

Sheeraz was still a teenager when he had had his fourth and fifth professional fights on bills in Brentwood when Skeete was World ranked and the star attraction.

Hamzah can even recall sparring with his latest rival just a few months after leaving school while working as an apprentice electrician.

He added: “It’s mad to think I was on his undercards three years ago and now he is challenging for my belt.

“When I used to train with Dominic Negus I sparred with Bradley when I was 17 before I turned professional with Frank.

“Dominic said after the spar that I would fight him one day and I didn’t think anything of what he had said.

“When I boxed on Bradley’s undercard I wasn’t thinking of us ever meeting because he was looking at a World title shot against Jeff Horn, but he didn’t get that fight.

“Here we are and this is a great opportunity for myself.”

In the bill topper Manchester’s Lyndon Arthur (19-0, 13 KOs) defends his Commonwealth and WBO International Light-Heavyweight title against Ilford’s Anthony Yarde (21-2, 20 KOs) in a rematch of last December’s controversial clash that he won on points.

 Ilford’s Hamzah Sheeraz (13-0, 9 KOs) puts his WBO European Super-Welterweight title on the line against Penge’s former British champion Bradley Skeete (29-3, 14 KOs).

In a third title fight the vacant WBC International Silver Lightweight crown is up for grabs when Maidstone puncher Sam Noakes (7-0, 7 KOs) meets Willenhall’s Shaun Cooper (11-2).

Exciting Super-Bantamweight prospect Dennis McCann (10-0, 6 KOs) is in eight round action.

Mill Hill Heavyweight George Fox (4-0) faces a tough eight rounder against Pole Kamil Sokolowki (10-23-2, 4 KOs).

Chatham Light-Heavyweight Karol Itauma (4-0, 2 KOs), Reading Super-Featherweight Charles Frankham (3-0, 1 KO) and Islington Super-Featherweight Masood Abdullah (2-0, 2 KOs) are in six rounders.

Two four rounders complete the bill and feature Ilford Super-Bantamweight Umar Khan (2-0) and Upminster’s Super-Welterweight debutant Sonny Liston Ali.

Tickets for the event can be purchased here

Hospitality Tickets – £330
Lower Bowl Seat – £55

Los Angeles, CA – November 17, 2021 – Probellum is pleased to announce its latest multi-fight, multi-year co-promotional agreement – teaming up with Pro Boxing Team Finland.

Under the leadership of promoter and former two-time Juho Tolppola, Pro Boxing Team Finland has quickly become the leading promotion in Finland, holding a large number of high-profile events over the last few years.

Pro Boxing Team Finland boasts an impressive list of fighters, which includes cruiserweight star Samuli Karkkainen, who has won 14 of his 15 bouts, with seven of those wins coming by knockout.

The new deal will see Probellum working with Pro Boxing Team Finland to hold a number of events in the country, helping to take boxing from strength to strength at both a grassroots and national level.

“Pro Boxing Team Finland is happy to join forces with Probellum,” said Juho Tolppola. “Probellum being our new international partner will be an important factor to help our promotion and boxers to step up to the next, higher, level, and we expect a long-term and successful co-operation between Probellum and Pro Boxing Team Finland.”

“The co-operation with Probellum will be a big boost for my personal career,” said Samuli Karkkainen. “Over the next year I expect to get ranked in the EBU-EU rankings, and later in the same year also into the EBU rankings, and I hope that Probellum will be a factor in helping me to achieve my target.”

“We’re happy to unveil our co-promotional agreement with Pro Boxing Team Finland,” said Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum. “They have firmly established themselves as the biggest promoter in all of Finland, and we are confident that with Probellum on board, we can now help to take boxing in the country to the next level.”

The partnership with Pro Boxing Team Finland is Probellum’s latest co-promotional agreement, having also secured deals with Wasserman Boxing, Universum in Germany, Groupe Yvon Michel in Canada, Maravillabox Promotions in Spain, Kynoch Boxing in Scotland, Mitchell Sports Promotions in England, LNK Boxing in Latvia, Titov Boxing in Russia, Glozier Boxing in New Zealand, Cuadrilatero Boxing in Colombia, PR Best Boxing in Puerto Rico, BXSTRS Promotions in Mexico, Shuan Boxing Promotions in the Dominican Republic, Bufalo Boxing in Nicaragua, Team Ellis Boxing in Australia, Moron Boxing in Venezuela, Volcano Boxing in El Salvador, Armin Tan Promotions in Indonesia, and Box Office Sports in Ghana.

Probellum has also acquired an elite roster of talent, which includes Regis Prograis, Nonito Donaire, Badou Jack, Donnie Nietes, Lee McGregor, Eimantas Stanionis, Arthur Biyarslanov, Taras Shelestyuk, Ricky Burns, Paul Butler, Lewis Ritson, Muhammad Waseem, O’Shaquie Foster, Hovhannes Bachkov, Darius Fulghum, Eduardo Hernandez, Mark Dickinson, Brandon Moore, Jack Bowen and Jason Mallia.

For live news and updates, be sure to follow Probellum on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

BRITISH, Commonwealth and European Super-Bantamweight champion Jason Cunningham has signed a multi-fight promotional deal with Queensberry.

Doncaster’s triple-title holder is closing in on a World championship challenge after brilliant wins against Gamal Yafai and Brad Foster cemented his status as one of the division’s top boxers.

Cunningham (30-6, 6 KOs) caused one of the biggest upsets of 2021 when he thrashed Yafai on points at Manchester Arena in May, taking his rival’s European crown.

Last month he outpointed Foster in Birmingham, adding the British and Commonwealth belts that his new Queensberry stablemate held .

Southpaw Jason insists Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren can deliver a World title fight in 2022.

Cunningham, 32, is willing to step up and face any of the current champions, Murodjon Akhmadaliev (IBF and WBA Super), Brandon Figueroa (WBC), or Stephen Fulton (WBO).

He added: “I am excited to be working with Frank Warren, after seeing first hand how much he supports and backs his fighters.

“After spending years in the away corner on small hall shows I will finally be given the chance to be the home fighter.

“Thanks to all the team at Queensberry, I can look forward to working towards a World title.

“I have had a brilliant career, I am doing all right. I want to go for it and get the biggest fights I possibly can.

“The World champions are all good fighters and that is a step up, but after my wins against Gamal and Brad over the last few months there is only one place to go.”

Cunningham’s manager Stefy Bull said: “I am so happy for Jason to finally be presented with a lucrative promotional contract with one of the World’s leading promoters.

“They share my vision and goals for Jason and I believe it’s going to be a fantastic few years chasing the ultimate goal of becoming champion of the World.”

Warren is delighted to welcome another World class fighter to the growing Queensberry team, and says: “Jason is another great addition.

“Jason and Stefy made it clear that they are after the biggest fights and it’s the job of myself and the Queensberry team to deliver.

“This year, Jason proved that he belongs in the World title picture. Very few expected him to beat Gamal and he won comfortably and he emerged on top again against Brad in what was seen as a 50-50.

“We are looking at getting Jason out pretty early in 2022 and next year should ensure he is involved against the best in the Super-Bantamweight division.”

Cunningham who celebrates ten years as a professional next month is one of the few boxers to be a three-weight Commonwealth champion. He has won titles at Bantamweight and Featherweight besides the Super-Bantamweight crown he currently holds.

Jason who has won six fights on the spin has never lost at Super-Bantamweight and often taken fights outside his weight class to remain active.

With current Undisputed Super Middleweight Champion Canelo Alvarez now confirmed to be facing WBC Cruiserweight Champion Ilunga Makabu in his next bout, Sampson Lewkowicz, promoter of undefeated two-time super middleweight world champion David “El Bandera Roja” Benavidez, has received permission from the WBC Board for Benavidez to fight for their Interim Championship in his next bout.

Today at their 59th annual world convention in Mexico City, Alvarez’s trainer Eddy Reynoso petitioned the WBC to allow the future hall-of-famer to challenge Makabu for a chance at another world title in an amazing fifth weight division. Reynoso’s request was granted unanimously.

In response, Lewkowicz immediately requested that Benavidez (25-0, 22 KOs), whom many considered at the top of the list of potential next Canelo opponents, be given a chance to hold their world championship for the third time in his undefeated career. The request was also granted.

An opponent for Benavidez’s attempt at a third WBC belt will be announced shortly.
About Sampson Boxing

Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America. Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, ESPN+, DAZN, VS., FOX, Fox Sports and several international networks. For more information, visit sampsonboxing.com.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (November 16, 2021)

Undefeated super bantamweight OLEH “UKRAINIAN PITBULL” DOVHUN (13-0 5KO’s) made the most of his opportunity Saturday night in Pittsburgh, thoroughly dominating power punching Baltimore native, GLENN DEZURN (then 14-2-1 10KO’s) for the NABA Super Bantamweight Title.

In an important crossroads bout between two fighters on the precipitous of moving into world contender status, Dovhun and Dezurn went to battle in front of the Ukrainian filled crowd at the Cathedral Room at St. Nicholas in Pittsburgh. From the opening bell, Dovhun controlled the action with superior footwork and pinpoint accuracy. Finding success with a straight left and right uppercut, Dovhun continued to keep Dezurn off balance and in retreat.

In the fourth of the scheduled ten round title bout, Dezurn attempted to turn the momentum and launched an aggressive attack on Dovhun. Dezurn’s aggression caused a clash of heads leaving a cut under the left eye of Dovhun. Unfazed by the cut with full focus on the NABA Title at stake, Dovhun continued to pick off Dezurn with a slew of combinations that left the power punching Dezurn unable to answer. Dovhun stayed sharp and consistent throughout the fight and won the NABA Super Bantamweight Title by a clean sweep unanimous decision (100-90 3x). With the win, Dovhun is set to move into the top 15 in the WBA rankings and is in line for a massive 2022.

“I want to thank everyone for their support,” said Dovhun. “You are all the best. I heard everyone shouting loudly and it was incredible. With such support we will be world champion. God bless America!”

Dovhun-Dezurn was co-promoted by Integrity Fighter Management and Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Star Boxing’s former WBO World Champion CHRIS ALGIERI is set to face off with rising welterweight prospect CONOR BENN on
December 11, in Liverpool England LIVE on DAZN.

Tickets available by clicking HERE

STAR BOXING ARCHIVES:
The “Common Man” Joe Smith Jr.: WBO World Champion
Ruslan Provodnikov vs Chris Algieri WBO World Title (Full Fight)

Kali Reis says there’s no chance of her looking past ‘dangerous’ Jessica Camara as they clash for the WBA and vacant WBO World Super-Lightweight titles on Friday night (November 19) at the SNHU Arena in Manchester, New Hampshire, live worldwide on DAZN.

TICKETS START AT $30 (PLUS FEES) AND ARE ON SALE NOW FROM TICKETMASTER.COM

Reis (18-7-1 5 KOs) was in London and working on the DAZN broadcast as Chantelle Cameron booked her spot for a 2022 undisputed fight at 140lbs with victory at The O2 over Mary McGhee, and now Reis and Camara (8-2) battle to meet the Briton for all the marbles.

Reis didn’t just travel to watch the bout though, getting plenty of sparring in while across the pond as she moved towards the end of her camp for her eighth World title bout in a 26-fight career to date.

The 35 year old, who wrote and starred in a feature film titled Catch the Fair One, is eager to land the undisputed title in double quick time as she looks to achieve as much as possible in the game before pursuing more work in the film industry – but ‘Mequinonoag’ says that can wait as she eyes being the star attraction on Friday night and setting up the Cameron fight in style.

“Jessica hasn’t been at 140lbs or in the rankings as she’s been at 130lbs and 135lbs,” said Reis. “But she’s coming in off an excellent win against Heather Hardy, one of the pioneers of women’s boxing in this era, whose only loss was to Amanda Serrano who is one of the best to ever do it – so she’s dangerous, I know that.

“She’s improved from her loss to Melissa St. Vil too so I don’t overlook any opponent, and this is boxing, anything can happen. I commentated on her last two fights, and I give huge respect to her for stepping up and taking this opportunity, as there’s a lot of fighters out there that want to pick and choose fights and not step-up, but Jessica has stepped up so respect to her for that and she’s here for a reason, she wants to become undisputed too.

“She’s a lighter fighter coming up so she’ll have hand speed and fast feet, she doesn’t have as much pressure in a way as I have the titles to defend so maybe the pressure is off her, but as I said when I commentated on her, she has the composure of a veteran, it’s amazing, she had a huge hematoma on her head from the first round against St Vil and she didn’t bat an eye at that and against a legend like Hardy, she did her job, she’s very composed, she has great fundamentals and fast hands.

“I was in London to train but I am in this tournament, so my eyes were wide open for that fight. I was there to see potential opponents live and it was better being there, seeing them at the presser, the weigh-in and around the hotel, the whole energy around the event. We’ve been talking about fight Chantelle for a while now and it was a dream fight for fans in the US and UK. I like how she carries herself and to see her in person was great, she was nothing short of what I expected, she’s a delight to be around and she’s a very determined fighter, and you feel her energy when you are around her.

“Chantelle is a really good boxer and has that killer instinct that you cannot teach. She did what I thought she would do, and it was a great performance, but everybody is beatable including myself, I saw a lot but ultimately, she got the job done in good style.

“I spent a good week in London, we trained and sparred, Noel Callan, Hannah Rankin’s trainer, hooked us up and I think we had 40 rounds in three days, so we definitely got that work in! It’s becoming a regular trip, it’s the third time this year that I’ve been to the UK ahead of fights, it makes sense as you get the quality work over there.

“We have great sparring in America too, most of my sparring is with guys but we do have some females come in, but they come one time and they don’t come back, so it’s hard to get consistent quality sparring in Philadelphia. The only other quality sparring I get is with Katie Taylor when I am in Rhode Island but now I live and train in Philly it’s hard to do that.

“My Native American name is ‘Mequinonoag’ which means ‘many feathers’ or ‘many talents’ and my mother named me correctly, I’m blessed to have this personality where I am fascinated by art and storytelling and all aspects of life, and I don’t see just one path, your journey has many, many paths.

“So the acting and storytelling came to me and I am definitely going to explore it and see what kind of ‘World championships’ I can get in that world too, so you will definitely see me on the big screen again because boxing is a short career and while I have more to do in the sport, it’s a brutal one and I don’t want to outstay my welcome, so when the time comes to gracefully bow out I want to have my wits about me so I can do all these other things after boxing.

“Demetrius and I have known each other since we were young, we’re two Cape Verdean kids from Rhode Island. He started fighting way before I did, and I saw him as a teenager going to do great things as an amateur and we have trained together lots and we have the same strength and conditioning coach. We know each other very well, he’s my brother from another mother and it’s so awesome that we are finally fighting on the same card.”

Reis and Camara clash on a massive night of quadruple World title action, topped by Demetrius Andrade (30-0 18 KOs) defending his WBO World Middleweight title against Jason Quigley (19-1 14 KOs). 

Murodjon Akhmadaliev (9-0 7 KOs) defending his WBA and IBF World Super-Bantamweight titles against José Velásquez (26-9-2 19 KOs) and it’s Mexico vs. Puerto Rico in the long-awaited showdown between WBC World Flyweight champion Julio Cesar Martinez (18-1 14 KOs) and McWilliams Arroyo (21-4 16 KOs).

LOS ANGELES (November 16, 2021): WBC Interim Lightweight World Champion, Joseph “JoJo” Diaz (32-1-1, 15 KOs), hosted a media call on Today, Tuesday, November 16 to talk about his upcoming bout with WBC Lightweight World Champion, Devin “The Dream” Haney (26-0, 15 KOs) on December 4 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, live worldwide on DAZN. Below is what the fighter had to say to the media members in attendance.

To listen to the full audio, click HERE.

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, CHAIRMAN AND CEO OF GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS

“Devin Haney vs. Joseph ‘Jojo’ Diaz, Jr is one of the best lightweight match-ups that can take place now. We feel strongly that Jojo is more than ready, he is prepared, he is focused. His last fight was an amazing showing of what a true champion is all about. Not only did he display power but he had the speed, the intelligence, the IQ was through the roof. I’m very proud that he will be fighting another great world champion. Like I have said before: styles make fights and Jojo has the perfect style, the perfect mentality to upset, and beat the great world champion Devin Haney.”

JOSEPH ‘JOJO’ DIAZ, JR., WBC INTERIM LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION:
“This is a really, really big fight December 4th, live in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. I’m really looking forward to it. I am having a really tremendous training camp. I just feel like at 135 pounds I am someone to be reckoned with. I’m very, very dangerous at this weight. My preparation has been phenomenal both physically and mentally. I’m ready and I’m prepared for this moment in my life. I feel like this is an opportunity of a lifetime and I’m not going to take it for granted.

“Devin Haney is one hell of a fighter, don’t get me wrong, he has great tools and he has a great boxing skills, but so do I. I’m a 2012 Olympian, I’m a two-weight division champion, I’ve fought multiple, multiple guys that have had experience inside the professional ranks; and I just know that all that experience will be showcased come December 4th. I’m really looking forward to putting on a great performance for myself, my family, my son, and all the fight fans. Come December 4th, I will be crowned ‘And The New’ world champion.

“I was already pushing for both of those fights, Ryan Garcia or Devin Haney. I just wanted to make the best fight for myself and whatever opportunity was created that was big for my moment I really had to capitalize on it. So now that, unfortunately, Ryan Garcia ended up pulling out due to a hand injury Devin Haney was right on the list and he is the next victim. I am glad that he was able to accept the fight and we all agreed on terms, and here we are, fighting December 4th.

“My strength and my endurance is what feels different at 135 pounds. At 130 I was depleting my body, depleting my muscles, and not only that, it was just taking a lot out by trying to make that weight. I feel like now I don’t have to deplete myself. I don’t have to lose that extra five pounds and my body now feels more relaxed and more comfortable at 135. I feel a lot more energized. I feel a lot stronger. I feel like my speed, my reaction time in the ring is just more snappy. I felt like that with the Javier Fortuna fight. It was my first fight at 135 pounds and I felt good. That fight was probably one of my best performances in my career, but come December 4th you guys are going to see a very, very exciting and different transformed fighter. I’m really looking forward to putting on a great performance.”

Tickets starting at $58 (plus fees) go on sale Friday, November 5 at 10:00 a.m. PT and can be purchased by visiting AXS.com.

Haney vs. Diaz, Jr is a 12-round fight for the WBC Lightweight World Championship presented by Matchroom Boxing in association with Golden Boy. The fight will take place on Saturday, December 4, live exclusively on DAZN.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #MunguiaRosado.

NEW YORK – November 16, 2021 – Three-time NBA All-Star Deron Williams and legendary NFL running back Frank Gore faced off for the first time following a press conference announcing their professional heavyweight boxing debuts on Tuesday at Edison Ballroom in New York City.

Williams vs. Gore will take place on the undercard of Jake Paul vs. Tommy Fury, live on SHOWTIME PPV on Saturday, December 18 at AMALIE Arena in Tampa. The four-round heavyweight bout will be contested with a 215-pound contractual limit as the two legends make their professional boxing debuts. 

Also appearing at Tuesday’s event was seven-division world champion and current unified featherweight champion Amanda Serrano, who will face 135-pound titleholder Miriam Gutiérrez in the co-feature of the SHOWTIME PPV event.

Tickets for the live event, titled #PaulFury: One Will Fall, are now available for purchase at www.amaliearena.com.

Below are quotes from Williams, Gore and Serrano.

Deron Williams

“I’ve always wrestled all the way until high school and always been a big boxing and MMA fan. I’ve done a lot of training at my gym, Fortis MMA, in Dallas for the past six years.

“I’ve always wanted to do an MMA fight. I had one that I was training for before Covid hit but my opponent pulled out. It was always in the back of my mind and I’ve always stayed in shape and stayed training. I got a call from Nakisa (Bidarian) who I hadn’t talked to in five years and he said Frank Gore was training and looking for an opponent, and I felt like it was a great opportunity. I felt like if I didn’t take it I’d be kicking myself for the rest of my life.

“Frank looks good. If I’m going to do a fight I’d rather do it with someone who is capable and who has been training. The man is tough, there’s no doubt about that. Anyone who can take that many snaps in the NFL has to be tough. It’s a good challenge for me and something that I can check off the bucket list.

“Most people are behind me. I’ve had some people say, ‘You’re fighting Frank Gore. What are you doing?’ But that’s OK. There are a lot of unknowns in this game, so it makes it exciting. I’ve been training for years and doing a lot of MMA, and a lot of it has been boxing.

“I first started wrestling when I was like five. I didn’t really know what it was and I spent the whole season being dragged on the mat by my mom crying because I was so scared to go in there. But she said I had to because she had already paid for it and said you’re going to do this every weekend. So I basically went out there crying, got pinned, walked off the mat and then did it again for the whole year. The next year she asked if I wanted to sign up again expecting I would say no, but I actually said yes for some reason. I did that for about a half year before I turned into a little animal. So I think that year and a half of getting pinned made me tougher. Wrestling is a tough sport, and it was a great base for me and I’m really glad I did it and was able to go to the state tournament in Texas as an eight-year-old and 12-year-old. And I would have loved to have kept going but it was in the same season as basketball.

“I loved watching the heavyweights. Growing up in the ‘90s and watching (Mike) Tyson and all those wars they had. And watching (Evander) Holyfield. It was just a special time in boxing and there were still other fighters, but those were the ones I was watching and who I was excited to see.

“I jogged four miles yesterday and that was the first time I’ve ever run four miles. It’s getting out of your comfort zone and it’s a different feeling. Basketball, and football for him, we’re comfortable with that work. It’s learning to get hit in the face and being OK with it. It’s just a new challenge. I’ve been retired for four years now. You just miss competing. You miss having something to train for.”

Frank Gore

“l have always loved boxing. I’ve been training since 2005. I was doing it because it would save my legs since I play running back. I just fell in love with it, how hard it was and I’m very competitive. I was just doing it for the cardio. My first time I didn’t think I could do it, but I kept getting better and better at it.

“I’m definitely not doing this for the money. I’m blessed. I’m good and blessed with football and off-the-field stuff.

“I’ve always been an underdog my entire life. I was raised in a one-bedroom apartment. I blew out both of my knees and many thought I wouldn’t make it to the NFL. Sixteen years later and I’m No. 3 on the all-time list.

“I’m happy to be here and I respect Deron. He’s coming from the NBA and I always say any man who gets into the ring has got to be different. I don’t care what sport you play. I’m training my behind off for December 18.

“I know he’s trained in MMA and coming over from the NBA but he’s no Nate Robinson. He’s been doing MMA for six years so I have to respect that. He’s been wrestling since he was a kid. I’m training my behind off and the only one I can worry about is myself. I’m looking forward to the challenge and let the best man win on December 18.

“Football and boxing are totally different. When you watched me play I never really got hit. That’s why I was able to last so long. I played off of angles. Now, with boxing I’m going in there with guys that have had 300 amateur fights, are 10-0 as pros. So I can’t just dodge all the shots they are throwing because they have more ring experience.

“I would say jogging has been the toughest thing. In football we never jogged. We always did sprints and pulled the sled but I had to really train myself to jog. I had to put my mind somewhere else and work on it.

“My favorite fighter is Floyd (Mayweather, Jr.). There are a bunch of guys I like to watch now. I like Terence (Crawford) and I like Errol Spence, Tank (Davis), Shakur Stevenson. I just want to be the best of me. Whatever my coach tells me to do I’m going to go out and try to do and do my best to get this win on December 18.”

Amanda Serrano

“This fight is more important than the Katie Taylor fight. Miriam Gutierrez is a tough girl at 135 pounds and it’s not my natural weight class. I’m moving up two divisions. I have to get through Miriam in a way that people will want to see me fight Katie next.

“I would actually rather lose the weight than gain the weight. It’s so hard for me to keep the weight on because once I start training I drop it. I’m eating a lot of good foods and had to hire a nutritionist for this camp to make sure I’m strong. I’m a little girl, but I pack a punch wherever I go.

“I definitely want the Katie Taylor fight. That night could be the night I accomplish my goal and become the first undisputed boxer to come out of Puerto Rico. That would be an amazing night. Right now I’m concentrating on boxing because I have two amazing fights but in the future I definitely want to become an MMA champion, but right now it’s all about boxing.

“Pound for pound I think is a matter of opinion. Some people think I am, some people think it’s Claressa Shields. Katie actually fights the week before me so she has to look good, and I have to look good. I’m training really hard for Miriam. I know she is a tough girl and I’m just going to go out and be the best I can be and I think the fight with Katie Taylor is going to happen.”

# # #

For more information on #PaulFury visit www.SHO.com/sports, follow on Instagram via @JakePaul, @TommyFury, @MostValuablePromotions and @ShowtimeBoxing, Twitter via @JakePaul, @TommyTntFury, @MostVpromotions and @ShowtimeBoxing, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

NEW YORK (November 16, 2021) – The New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF) has announced its 29-member Class of 2121. The 10th NYSBHOF induction dinner, sponsored by Ring 8, will be Sunday afternoon (12:30-5:30 p.m. ET), May 1, at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.

“Every year the selections get more difficult,” NYSBHOF president Bob Duffy said. “Everyone of these new inductees has been a major part of New York boxing. It’s talent like this that makes NYSBHOF so successful.”

Living boxers heading into the NYSBHOF include WBO Heavyweight World Champions and Michael Bentt (11-2, 6 KOs), also a 4-time New York Golden Gloves gold medalist, and Shannon “The Cannon” Briggs (60-6-1, 53 KOs), 3-time World light middleweight titlist Verno Phillips (42-11-1, 2 KOs), WBC Light Heavyweight World Champion Donny “Golden Boy” Lalonde (42-11-1, 21 KOs), WBC World Light Heavyweight Champion Johnny “The Heat” Verderosa (41-5-1, 33 KOs), 2-time World title challenger and No. 1 ranked welterweight contender Larry “No Fear” Barnes (44-3-1, 17 KOs), and welterweight Johnny Turner (42-6-2, 32 KOs)

Posthumous participants being inducted World Lightweight Champion Al Singer (62-9-2, 26 KOs), World’s Colored Light Heavyweight Champion Kid Norfolk (88-25-7, 49 KOs), lightweight Patsy “Cannonball” Giovanelli (44-7-1, 14 KOs), World Bantamweight Champion Cannonball Eddie Martin (81-12-4, 29 KOs), World Light Heavyweight title challenger Battling Seki (60-24-4, 31 KOs), Novice New York Golden Gloves and Intercity Golden Gloves champion Solly Krieger (82-25-6 , 54 KOs), No. 1 world ranked middleweight contender Herbie Kronowitz (55-23-5, 10 KOs), World featherweight champion Tommy Paul (80-28-10, 26 KOs), and World Bantamweight Champion and US Olympian Lou Salica (67-17-12, 13 KOs).

Living non-participants heading into the NYSBHOF are judge Ron McNair, promoter/manager/matchmaker Don Elbaum, journalists Ed Schuyler and Bill Verigan, author/journalist Tom Hauser, author/journalist/promoter/inspector Mike Silver, and Jill Diamond, Secretary of the World Boxing Council and International Chair or WBC Cares.

Posthumous non-participant inductees are trainer and Stillman’s gym owner Lou Stillman, promoter/manager Bill Cayton, NYC Mayor James Walker who legalized boxing in NY, publicists John Condon and Irving Rudd, journalist Richard K. Fox, and trainer Victor Valle.

Each attending inductee (or direct descendant of) will receive a custom-designed belt signifying his or her induction into the NYSBHOF.

The 2021 inductees were selected by the NYSBHOF nominating committee members: Randy Gordon, Henry Hascup, Don Majeski, Jim Monteverde and Neil Terens.

All boxers needed to be inactive for at least three years to be eligible for NYSBHOF induction, and all inductees must have resided in New York State for a significant portion of their boxing careers or during the prime of their respective career.

NYSBHOF

CLASS of 2012: Carmen Basilio, Mike McCallum, Mike Tyson, Jake LaMotta, Riddick Bowe, Carlos Ortiz, Vito Antuofermo, Emile Griffith, “Sugar” Ray Robinson, Gene Tunney, Benny Leonard, Tony Canzoneri, Harold Lederman, Steve Acunto, Jimmy Glenn, Gil Clancy, Ray Arcel, Nat Fleischer, Bill Gallo and Arthur Mercante, Sr.

CLASS of 2013: Jack Dempsey, Johnny Dundee, Sandy Saddler, Maxie Rosenbloom, Joey Archer, Iran Barkley, Mark Breland, Bobby Cassidy, Doug Jones, Junior Jones, James “Buddy” McGirt, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Bob Arum, Shelly Finkel, Tony Graziano, Larry Merchant, Teddy Brenner, Mike Jacobs, Tex Rickard and Don Dunphy.

CLASS OF 2014: Floyd Patterson, Tracy Harris Patterson, Billy Backus, Kevin Kelley, Juan LaPorte, Gerry Cooney, Mustafa Hamsho, Howard Davis, Jr., Lou Ambers, Jack Britton, Terry McGovern, Teddy Atlas, Lou DiBella, Steve Farhood, Gene Moore, Angelo Prospero, Whitey Bimstein, Cus D’Amato, William Muldoon and Tom O’Rourke.

CLASS OF 2015: Saoul Mamby, Joey Giamba, Johnny Persol, Harold Weston, Lonnie Bradley, Paul Berlenbach, Billy Graham, Frankie Genaro, Bob Miller, Tommy Ryan, Jimmy Slattery, Bob Duffy, Mike Katz, Tommy Gallagher, Bruce Silverglade, Charley Goldman, Jimmy Johnston, Cedric Kushner, Harry Markson, Damon Runyon, and Al Weill.

CLASS OF 2016: Aaron Davis, Charles Murray, Vilomar Fernandez, Edwin Viruet, Hector “Macho” Camacho, Rocky Graziano, Rocky Kansas, Joe Lynch, Joe Miceli, Ed Brophy, Joe DeGuardia, Randy Gordon, Dennis Rappaport, Howie Albert, Freddie Brown, Howard Cosell, Ruby Goldstein, and Jimmy Jacobs.

CLASS OF 2017: Gaspar Ortega, Renaldo “Mr.” Snipes, Doug Dewitt, “The Bronx Bomber” Alex Ramos, Dick Tiger, Jose Torres, “Nonpareil” Jack Dempsey, Don Majeski, Ron Katz, Stan Hoffman, Bobby Bartels, Hank Kaplan, Al Gavin, Arthur Donovan, and Dan Parker.

CLASS OF 2018: Lou “Honey Boy” Del Valle, Jake Rodriguez, Terrence Alli, “Baby” Joe Mesi, Kid Chocolate, James J. “Gentleman Jim” Corbett, Jack McAuliffe, Billy Costello, Melio Bettina Ralph “Tiger” Jones, Charley Norkus, Dave Anderson, Pete Brodsky, Herb Goldman, Bobby Goodman, Melvina Lathan, Ron Scott Stevens, Johnnie Addie, Johnny Bos, Murray Goodman, Bert Randolph Sugar and Sam Taub.

No class of 2019 due to COVID-19 restrictions

CLASS OF 2020: Jorge Ahumada, Alfredo Escalera, Freddie Liberatore, Dennis Milton; Lou Savarese and Merqui Sosa, Soldier Bartfield, Steve Belloise, Jimmy Goodrich, Tami Mauriello, Davey Moore, Freddie “The Welsh Wizard” Welch, Don Ackerman, Bobby Cassidy, Jr., Rick Glaser, Jack Hirsch, Max Kellerman, Dr. William Lathan, Julie Lederman, Ron Lipton, Kevin Rooney, Dan Daniel, Bobby Gleason, Flash Gordan, A.J. Liebling, Tony Mazzarella and manager Dan Morgan.

Tickets are priced at $125.00 per adult and $60.00 for children (under 16) and include a complete brunch and cocktail hour upon entry, starting at 12:30 p.m. ET, as well as dinner (prime rib, fish, or poultry) and open bar throughout the day. Tickets are available to purchase by contacting NYSBHOF president Bob Duffy at 516.313.2304 or depcomish@aol.com. Ads for the NYSBHOF program are available, ranging from $80.00 to $200.00, by contacting Duffy. Go online at www.nyboxinghof.org or www.Ring8ny.com for additional information about the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame.

ABOUT RING 8: Formed in 1954 by an ex-prizefighter, Jack Grebelsky, Ring 8 became the eighth subsidiary of what was then known as the National Veteran Boxers Association – hence, RING 8 – and today the organization’s motto remains: Boxers Helping Boxers.

RING 8 is fully committed to supporting less fortunate people in the boxing community who may require assistance in terms of paying rent, medical expenses, or whatever justifiable need.

Go online to www.Ring8ny.com for more information about RING 8, the largest group of its kind in the United States with more than 350 members. Annual membership dues is only $30.00, and each member is entitled to a buffet dinner at RING 8 monthly meetings, excluding July and August. All active boxers, amateur and professional, are entitled to a complimentary RING 8 yearly membership. Guests of Ring 8 members are welcome at a cost of only $7.00 per person.

INFORMATION:

www.nyboxinghof.org

Las Vegas – UFC^® returns to Honda Center for the first time in over two years with a heavyweight title unification bout that will see former teammates collide, as UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou battles interim champion Ciryl Gane. Newly crowned UFC flyweight champion Brandon Moreno runs it back with former titleholder Deiveson Figueiredo in the co-main event.

UFC^® 270: NGANNOU vs. GANE will take place Saturday, Jan. 22 at Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif. All bouts will be simulcast on ESPN+ in English and Spanish beginning at 6:15 p.m. ET/3:15 p.m. PT with the ESPN+ and UFC Fight Pass prelims. The prelims will continue exclusively on ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT followed by the ESPN+ Pay-Per-View main card that will kick off at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

UFC^® 270: NGANNOU vs. GANE tickets will go on sale Friday, Nov. 19 at 10 a.m. PT and are available for purchase at ticketmaster.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. UFC Fight Club^® members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets Wednesday, Nov. 17 at 10 a.m. PT via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, Nov. 18 starting at 10 a.m. PT. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

No. 4 men’s pound-for-pound fighter Ngannou (16-3, fighting out of Paris, France by way of Batie, Cameroon) aims for his first successful title defense following a thrilling KO win over Stipe Miocic in March. Among the most feared strikers in the UFC, he also holds memorable finishes against Junior Dos Santos, Cain Velasquez and Alistair Overeem. Ngannou now hopes to deliver his most impressive performance yet by handing Gane his first career loss in emphatic fashion.

Undefeated Gane (10-0, fighting out of Paris, France) has wasted no time rising through the heavyweight ranks, capturing the interim title with a spectacular TKO win over Derrick Lewis in August. A former professional kickboxer, he has also delivered notable victories against Alexander Volkov, Jairzinho Rozenstruik and Junior Dos Santos. Gane now intends to dethrone his former teammate to begin his reign atop the UFC heavyweight division.

No. 10 men’s pound-for-pound fighter Moreno (19-5-2, fighting out of Tijuana, Mexico) delivered the biggest victory of his career in December by submitting Figueiredo to earn the UFC flyweight championship. Initially featured on The Ultimate Fighter season 24, Moreno has also secured notable victories against Brandon Royval, Jussier Formiga and Louis Smolka. Moreno now aims to prove he is the top flyweight in the world by stopping Figueiredo a second time.

Former champion Figueiredo (20-2-1, fighting out of Soure, Pará, Brazil) is determined to even the score with Moreno by recapturing the belt with a vintage performance. A powerful striker and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, he has delighted fans with memorable wins over Joseph Benavidez (twice), Tim Elliott and Alexandre Pantoja. Figueiredo now plans to get revenge on Moreno in their third battle to once again reach the top of the 125-pound ladder.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• Top five middleweight contenders collide when No. 3 ranked Jared Cannonier (14-5, fighting out of Glendale, Ariz.) takes on No. 4 Derek Brunson (23-7, fighting out of Wilmington, N.C.)
• Undefeated featherweights battle when No. 13 ranked contender Movsar Evloev (15-0, fighting out of Sunzha, Republic of Ingushetia, Russia) squares off with Ilia Topuria (11-0, fighting out of Alicante, Spain)
• No. 6 ranked women’s flyweight contender Viviane Araujo (10-3, fighting out of Brasilia, DF, Brazil) takes on. No. 11 Alexa Grasso (13-3, fighting out of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico)
• Kay Hansen (7-4, fighting out of Fullerton, Calif.) squares off with recent Dana White’s Contender Series signee Jasmine Jasudavicius (6-1, fighting out of St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada) at flyweight
• Trevin Giles (14-3, fighting out of Houston, Texas) meets Dana White’s Contender Series contract winner Michael Morales (12-0, fighting out of Tijuana, Mexico) at welterweight
• Tony Gravely (21-7, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla.) faces Dana White’s Contender Series signee Saimon Oliveira (17-3, fighting out of Balneario Camboriu, SC, Brazil) in a bantamweight bout
• No. 15 ranked bantamweight contender Cody Stamann (19-4-1, fighting out of Sparta, Mich.) squares off with rising Said Nurmagomedov (14-2, fighting out of Dagestan, Russia)
• Warlley Alves (15-5, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) faces Dana White’s Contender Series contract winner Jack Della Maddalena (10-2, fighting out of Perth, Western Australia) in an intriguing welterweight bout
• Poliana Botelho (8-4, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) takes on Ji Yeon Kim (9-4, fighting out of Incheon, South Korea) at flyweight
• Greg Hardy (9-4 1NC, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla.) squares off with Aleksei Oleinik (59-16-1, fighting out of Moscow, Russia) in a battle of heavyweight finishers
• Matt Frevola (8-3-1, fighting out of Long Island, N.Y.) faces unbeaten Dana White’s Contender Series signee Genaro Valdez Solo (10-0, fighting out of Tijuana, Mexico) in an exciting lightweight matchup
• Rodolfo Vieira (8-1, fighting out of Orlando, Fla. by way of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) aims for another show-stealing submission when he takes on Wellington Turman (17-5, fighting out of Curitiba, Brazil) at middleweight

Visit the UFC.com for information and content to support your UFC coverage. Please click here to apply for the event.

###

About UFC^®

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 625 million fans and 178 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while broadcasting to nearly 900 million TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 75 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS^®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is owned by global sports and entertainment company Endeavor, and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok: @UFC.

About Honda Center

Nestled in the heart of Orange County, Honda Center stands as one of the premier entertainment and sports venues in the country. Owned by the City of Anaheim and managed by Anaheim Arena Management, LLC, the arena is home to the 2007 Stanley Cup champion Anaheim Ducks, and annually hosts dozens of top-name concerts such as Elton John, Justin Timberlake, Ariana Grande, Jay-Z, Garth Brook, and Foo Fighters. Since 2005, Anaheim Arena Management/Anaheim Ducks owners, Henry and Susan Samueli, have invested millions of dollars into facility upgrades, continuously improving the guest experience at Honda Center.

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 17.1 million subscribers.

Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $6.99 a month (or $69.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu for $13.99/month (Hulu w/ads) or $19.99/month (Hulu w/o ads).

About ESPN

ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment brand, features eight U.S. television networks, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, endeavors on every continent around the world, and more.  ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.

(This is the first story in a short “Fantasy Fights” series about boxers who fought in 2021 on RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS cards to be matched next year in potentially explosive fights on the same platform.)

LAS VEGAS (November 16, 2021) – Arguably Mexico’s No. 1 welterweight, Santiago “Somer” Dominguez (25-0, 19 KOs), against Michael “Boy Wonder 150%” Williams, Jr. (19-0, 12 KOs) is the first RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS’s “Fantasy Fights” potential showdown for the same live streaming platform in 2022.

UFC FIGHT PASS® is the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, on which RJJ Boxing has streamed live and exclusively for the past three years. To sign up for UFC FIGHT PASS, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com.

“Throughout the long, rich history of boxing,” veteran RJJ Boxing matchmaker Guy Taylor explained the genesis of ‘Fantasy Fights,’ “fans have always asked, ‘What would happen if these two ever fought each other.’ You couldn’t ask for a more polar opposite match-up than Santiago Dominguez and Michael Williams, Jr.”

Dominguez vs. Williams, Jr. is a classic contrast of styles, featuring a pair of gifted, undefeated welterweights seemingly on the verge of stardom.

RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS has helped boxers develop their skills in highly competitive matches, in addition to providing invaluable exposure worldwide, since 2019 despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

The heavy-handed Dominguez, who is a former NABF Welterweight Champion and past No. 15-rated in the world, stopped former WBA World title challenger Jesus “Chino” Antonio Rubio (13-4, 7 KOs) for the vacant WBC Latino strap in the October 15th main event in Mexico. It was Dominguez’ only fight in nearly a year because he needed to give his body a break. Dominguez improved to 5-0 (4 KOs) fighting career-wise on RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS.

The 22-year-old Williams, fighting out of Fayetteville, North Carolina, is trained by living legend Roy Jones, Jr. Last March in Biloxi, Mississippi, Williams defeated Starr Johnson, who couldn’t continue after the opening round. Williams improved to 2-0 (2 KOs) on RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS.

“Santiago is a throwback Mexican fighter, who stands 5’ 8” and was born in Ciudad Obregon Sonora, Mexico, just like his hero, the great Julio Cesar Chavez, Sr.,” Taylor added. “Williams, Jr. is a flashy, fast-footed boxer with lightning-quick hands who stands 6’ 1”. To put that in context for a welterweight, Michael is the same height as Hall of Famer Thomas ‘Hitman’ Hearns. Williams is also trained by arguably the greatest all-around fighter, Roy Jones. Jr.”

“This is a fight that can easily be made given the status of both fighters from RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS. I truly feel that, stylistically, there is no better match-up in 2022 than an undefeated, power-punching Mexican against an undefeated, slick, counter puncher from the United States. And they are both approaching their prime.”

INFORMATION:

Websites: http://www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com, www.ufcfightpass.com

Facebook: /UFCFightPass, /KeithVeltre, /World_Cup_Boxing_Series

Twitter: @UFCFightPass, @Keith_Veltre, @RoyjonesJRfa @RoyJonesJrOfficial

Instagram: @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre, @RoyJonesJrBoxing, @Ritzglitzglam, @World_Cup_Boxing_Series

TikTok: @WorldCupBoxingSeries

ABOUT ROY JONES JR, BOXING PROMOTIONS: Co-founded in 2013 by 10-time world champion Roy Jones, Jr. and Keith Veltre, Roy Jones, Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions is on its way to reinventing boxing. RJJ has already made a massive impact in the boxing community in a few short years. Creating exhilarating content for UFC Fight Pass, CBS Sports, Showtime, ESPN and beIN Sports in many of the finest venues across the country, RJJ has proven it is conquering the sweet science of the sport.

Based in the fight capital of the world, Las Vegas, NV, Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions is climbing to the top at a fast pace, adding young talent to its growing stable.

ABOUT UFC FIGHT PASS®: UFC FIGHT PASS® is the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports. Since launching in 2013, UFC FIGHT PASS is now available in more than two hundred countries and territories. UFC FIGHT PASS provides its members with unlimited access to live UFC FIGHT PASS Prelims; live mixed martial arts and combat sports from around the world; original series and historical programming; special features; behind-the-scenes content; in-depth interviews; and up-to-the minute reports on the world of combat sports. UFC FIGHT PASS subscribers also have 24/7 access to the world’s largest fight library, featuring more than 20,000 bouts from dozens of combat sports organizations, as well as every fight in UFC history. Fight fans can access UFC FIGHT PASS on personal computers, iOS and Android mobile devices, Apple TV, Xbox One, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, and Sony TVs with Android TV. For more information, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com.

The NJ Boxing Hall of Fame has voted Shawn Darling as “Coach of the Year.”

Darling learned his trade from International Boxing Hall of Famer Matthew Saad Muhammad. In addition to learning from Muhammad, Darling was always studying the training methods some of the best boxing minds on the East Coast.

They included: Bill Johnson, Don Givens, Walli Moses, Shaun George and Denny Brown. Darling was also fortunate to be in the company of many of New Jersey’s best fighters such as Kevin Johnson, Bobby Czyz, Bruce Seldon, John Brown, Shamone Alvarez, Prince Badi Ajumu.

Shawn has also had great success coaching and managing numerous Jersey Shore professionals with the most recent being Chris “Sandman” Thomas, “Quick” Nick Valliere, “The Brawler” Dan Pasciolla & Hafiz “Big Dawg” Montgomery.

“Shawn has been one of our top coaches for years,” said Henry Hascup, president of the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame. “He not only teaches young boxers how to box, nut he also acts like a father figure to many of them, which is far more important. He prepares them for adulthood, on how to conduct themselves even when the decision does not go their way.”

Darling opened his Gladiator Boxing Gym in 2005 in Forked River, New Jersey where such fighters as Bryant Jennings, Derric Rossy, Jesse Hart, Sonny Conto, Zhang Zhilei and Peter Quillin have sparred in the gym.

Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing proudly announces the signing of talented super lightweight prospect Shinard Bunch to a long-term co-promotional contract.

Before turning professional in 2019, Bunch had over 400 amateur fights and was once ranked as high as #3 nationally as a decorated member of the USA National Team, alongside current world champions Errol Spence and Shakur Stevenson. The talented former Brooklynite relocated to Trenton, New Jersey at age 13, and is now trained by Chino Rivas, perhaps best known for his work with former world champions Tevin Farmer and Jason Sosa, at TKO Fitness in Cherry Hill, New Jersey.

Managed by Philadelphia-based boxing legend J. Russell Peltz and, along with Lewkowicz, co-promoted by Nedal Abuhamoud of Nedal Promotions, the 22-year-old Bunch (17-1-1, 15 KOs) announced himself as a serious threat to anyone in the world on July 23 of this year at the Heartland Events Center in Grand Island, Nebraska, where the supposed underdog Bunch fought to an impressive split draw with fellow prospect Janelson Figueroa Bocachica in a fight which many had Bunch winning handily. The scores were 97-93, 95-95 and 94-96 and the fight was televised nationally on ShoBox: The New Generation.

Bunch says he has total trust in his team and is looking forward to more chances to shine in the national spotlight.

“I just want to be great, honestly, and to be the best you have to have the right team in place,” said a happy Bunch of adding Lewkowicz to his squad. “I plan on being the best fighter in whatever weight class I’m in and this deal will definitely help me test my full potential.”

“I’ve done business with Sampson for close to 20 years and he’s a man of his word and that’s rare in this business,” said Peltz of the deal for his fighter with Lewkowicz. “I think we’re going to have fun together.”

Abuhamoud, maybe best known for his impressive work with rugged former contenders Kabary “The Egyptian Magician” Salem and Omar Sheika, echoes Bunch and Peltz’s excitement for the co-promotional deal. “I’ve done business with Sampson before and never had a problem,” said Abuhamoud. “He’s a great guy and we have good relationship. Even outside boxing we speak. You sign with another promoter; you have to talk to ten people to talk to him. Sampson doesn’t give you that kind of run around.”

Lewkowicz, who says he has a potential fight date in January for Bunch’s first under his co-promotional banner, likes what he sees in Bunch. Known for his ability to spot true fighting talent, Lewkowicz has no compunctions about matching Bunch with any other super lightweight in the world.

“Shinard Bunch is already one of the best in the world,” said Lewkowicz. “His team of Nedal and Russell Peltz and Chino Rivas have done an incredible job with him. I will help them find the fights they need to become world champion. Shinard Bunch has the talent to beat anyone in one of boxing’s best divisions. I am happy to be working with the next world champion at 140 lbs.”
About Sampson Boxing

Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America. Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, ESPN+, DAZN, VS., FOX, Fox Sports and several international networks. For more information, visit sampsonboxing.com.

Springfield, MA (November 16, 2021) – Bronx native Dashaun Johns is a 31-year-old professional boxer and businessman, owner of a 4-1 record in the ring and his own gym with three locations in the tri-state area.

As he continues to balance two professions in addition to his family life, the super lightweight southpaw makes his long-awaited debut with CES Boxing next Saturday on November 27 when he battles Pittsburgh’s Danny Mitchell (5-4-1, 2 KOs) in a six-round bout at the MassMutual Center.

To fully understand how much Johns (4-1, 3 KOs) has grown, it’s important to understand where he came from.

Johns lived most of his childhood without his father and grew up in house with four siblings, some of whom were stepbrothers, so he was often forced to defend himself. Bullied in school, Johns turned to the streets and found himself running with gangs as a teenager. That lifestyle came to a grinding halt one night at the age of 15 when someone pointed a gun to his stomach as walked into a deli in Brooklyn.

“I really didn’t know if I’d make it out or not,” Johns said. “After that, I knew I had to get away and make a change.

“I got out just in time.”

Like many fighters before him, Johns decided the best way to channel his aggression was through boxing. He began his new journey at 17, which is late in comparison to some of the sport’s elite fighters, but still took his time, starting out by learning basic footwork before he even put on a pair of gloves.

“I didn’t even know how to throw a punch when I started,” Johns said.

That changed quickly. Under the guidance of coach Understanding Allah at the renowned John’s Boxing Gym in the South Bronx, Johns fine-tuned his craft and soon began a productive amateur career in which he won the Title National Championships in Arkansas in 2016 and advanced to the semifinals and finals of the New York Daily News Golden Gloves tournament in 2016 and 2017, respectively, losing to former Olympian and current 12-0 pro Richardson Hitchins in the 2016 semis.

With a deep amateur background behind him, Johns decided to turn pro in 2018. He sought the tutelage of a new coach, Kwame Asante, who helped him acclimate to the pro style in the ring, teaching him to sit down on his punches and generate more power with his legs. Since his debut in November of 2018, Johns is 4-1 with his lone loss coming to former two-time Junior Olympic champion and fellow New Yorker Alex Vargas, who was 4-0 at the time – a fight not a lot of novices would take with only two pro fights under their belt.

Johns, however, isn’t like most boxers; he understands the business side of the sport. He understands branding and marketing. He knows how to make a name for himself and generate interest in his career through all social media platforms.

Right around the time he turned pro, a friend in the fitness industry invited him to come try one of the fitness classes at his gym. Johns declined at first, but the friend – also a trainer – insisted he check it out because his gym was hiring trainers and he thought Johns would be a good fit.

“I gave it a shot and did five demo classes,” Johns said, “and I sucked at all five.”

Still, there was something there that motivated Johns to keep trying. He watched other trainers and noticed how much they helped their clients. That inspired him. He, too, wanted to help others, so he earned his certification and soon began working as a trainer at Belly and Body Fitness in Old Greenwich, CT, roughly 40 minutes from the Bronx.

“Now I love it,” Johns said. “The fight game and the fitness world go hand-in-hand. Fitness is beneficial to a lot of people. To be able to give back that way is a good feeling. I’m seeing people lose weight and get fit and have fun doing it. That’s why my slogan is, ‘Train with a smile.’”

As Johns’ popularity grew, he soon launched his own business, TooSweet Fitness, modeled after his boxing nickname, “Too Sweet.” With three locations in the tri-state area, Johns keeps busy outside the ring. He also offers clients the option of meeting at a local park or facility of their choice, and they can book group or individual sessions online.

Because Johns is always working with clients and, naturally, on top of his own fitness, he’s always ready to fight, but finding opponents as a 5-foot-9 southpaw with an extensive amateur background isn’t always easy. That’s why he signed with manager Jason Scalzo, who quickly began shopping his client to various promoters. Johns’ impressive resume and sharp, polished look caught the attention of CES Boxing president Jimmy Burchfield Sr., who immediately booked Johns on the November 27 show, anxious to see what the southpaw brings to the table.

“This is what it’s all about – a whole new set of eyes on me,” Johns said. “I told [CES] from the beginning, ‘You better get me now. If you don’t, it’s your loss!’”

Time will tell if Johns can deliver, but there’s no questioning his work ethic and drive to succeed. He gives back in a number of ways, even taking the time to speak to classrooms in various schools on the importance of choosing the right path in life. November 27 is his chance to show that his early success is only the beginning.

“In this sport, you only have so much time,” Johns said. “I lost a whole year to COVID, so, in 2022, I want to be super active. My goal is to fight every month – every week – if I can. I don’t want to take too much time off.”

Tickets are available online at CESFights.com. The card is headlined by a 10-round main event showdown between Worcester’s Kendrick Ball Jr. (17-1-1, 11 KOs) and Sacramento’s Mike Guy (12-7-1, 5 KOs) for the vacant WBC USNBC Super Middleweight Title.

In addition to the Ball-Guy headliner, iconic female featherweight Shelly Vincent (26-2, 1 KO) of New London, CT, makes her long-awaited return to the ring following a two-year layoff to face Chicago’s Shelly Barnett (5-5-2) in an eight-round special attraction, plus New Britain, CT, featherweight Nathan Martinez (7-1, 2 KOs) faces battle-tested Puerto Rican contender Jayron Santiago (7-8-1, 5 KOs) in a six-round bout.

Featherweight Joshua Orta (7-0, 3 KOs), born and raised in Springfield, returns to his hometown following a successful appearance in August to face Lester Brown Jr. (4-3-3, 1 KO) of the Bahamas in a six-round bout, and fellow Springfield native Isaiah Cruz (1-0), competing in the super featherweight division, takes on Kingstown, NY, native Darren Mima, a former MMA world-title challenger making his boxing debut, in a four-round bout. Also from Springfield, unbeaten super welterweight Jalen Renaud (6-0, 2 KOs) battles Jurmain McDonald (5-4, 2 KOs) of Jefferson City, MO. Female welterweight Stevie Jane Coleman (1-1) of Columbia, CT, looks to build off her first pro win when she battles Nevada’s LeAnn O’Malley (1-0) in a four-round bout.

Visit CESFights.com for more information. Updates on CES Boxing can also be found on Facebook in addition to Instagram and Twitter by following @CESBoxing.

–30–

INFORMATION

CES MMA is a mixed martial arts promotional company based out of Providence, R.I., founded by legendary boxing promoter Jimmy Burchfield Sr. It promoted the first sanctioned professional mma event in the state of Rhode Island on Sept. 17, 2010 at Twin River Casino Hotel. Since its inception, CES MMA has been a gateway to the UFC developing the careers of UFC contenders Calvin Kattar, Rob Font, Charles Rosa, William Knight, Mike Rodriguez, Tony Gravely, Andre Soukhamthath and others. In October 2012, CES MMA promoted its first pay-per-view event at The Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, featuring the professional MMA debut of former WWE superstar Dave Bautista, and recently signed a two-year extension to broadcast exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®.

CES Boxing is one of the top promotions in the northeast and one of the few to successfully promote both mixed martial arts and professional boxing. Launched in 1992 by longtime boxing judge Jimmy Burchfield Sr., the promotion is the only in professional boxing to boast two reigning WBC Youth world champions in lightweight Jamaine Ortiz and featherweight Irvin Gonzalez. CES Boxing recently teamed with UFC FIGHT PASS, the world’s No. 1 streaming platform for combat sports, to showcase its events to a worldwide audience, and worked as a promotional consultant for the Mike Tyson-Roy Jones Jr. pay-per-view event in November of 2020.

MGM Springfield covers three city blocks in the heart of downtown Springfield, Mass. As the world’s first LEED™ Platinum-certified gaming resort, MGM Springfield ignites a cultural and economic renaissance in a historic New England city by seamlessly blending new design with restored historic buildings. The resort offers more than 125,000 square feet of gaming space, a 240-room boutique hotel on Main Street, superior spa services, diverse retail and inspired dining headlined by Costa and The Chandler Steakhouse. MGM Springfield also features a seven-screen Regal luxury cinema complex, bowling lanes, a seasonal skating rink and outdoor marketplace displaying local art, events and talent. For more information, visit the MGM Springfield Newsroom or mgmspringfield.com.

Los Angeles, CA – November 16, 2021 – Fresh from unveiling Lee McGregor as its latest athlete, Probellum is pleased to announce a multi-fight co-promotional deal for the bantamweight king alongside fellow powerhouse Matchroom Boxing.

It means the two boxing giants will work together to guide the career of British, Commonwealth and European champion McGregor (11-0, 9 KOs), as he looks to work his way towards a world title shot.

McGregor’s first fight since teaming up with Probellum and Matchroom Boxing will come at the AO Arena in Manchester on Saturday 18 December, when he defends his European title against Narek Abgaryan.

The fight takes place on the undercard of the Joseph Parker vs. Derek Chisora 2 card, and will be broadcast live worldwide on DAZN (with the exception of New Zealand and Samoa).

“I’m absolutely delighted to be getting back in the ring defending my European Title against Narek Abgaryan,” said McGregor. “This is another step closer to me becoming a world champion. I have the best team possible and I believe with Probellum and Matchroom backing me, I can win world titles at multiple weights.”

“The Bantamweight division is one of the deepest and most exciting in the sport with some of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world,” said Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum.

“We are thrilled to be able to promote Lee McGregor. He is one of the most exciting fighters in the world today, and his fights are must-see events. With his power and speed, he is without a doubt the future of the division and a multi-weight world champion.

“All of us at Probellum are looking forward to working with Eddie Hearn and his great team at Matchroom to give Lee the opportunities and platform he deserves. December 18 is the beginning for an exciting journey with Lee.”

For live news and updates, be sure to follow Probellum on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

New York (November 16, 2021)–Asa Stevens remained undefeated, and picked up his first stoppage win as he took out Felix Vazquez in the opening round of their scheduled four round super bantamweight fight at The Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

Stevens was dominant as he hurt Vazquez with a combination that was started by an uppercut. With Vazquez hurt, Stevens wasted no time in landing a hard flurry of punches before the fight was stopped at 1:59.

Stevens, who is managed by Split-T Management is now 2-0 with one knockout.

Asa of Waianae, Hawaii was both a National and World Amateur champion, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions

LOS ANGELES (November 15, 2021) – Unbeaten five-time world champion and boxing’s hottest attraction Gervonta “Tank” Davis and hard-hitting Isaac “Pitbull’’ Cruz previewed their showdown for Davis’ WBA Lightweight Championship during a virtual press conference Monday before they square off on Sunday, December 5 live on SHOWTIME PPV from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

Davis’ third-straight pay-per-view headlining attraction will see him take on the IBF-ranked No. 2 lightweight in Cruz, a Mexico City-native who has earned his ‘Pitbull’ moniker through his hardnosed style.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Monday:

GERVONTA DAVIS

“I’m happy and excited to be in this position, I’ve been working hard getting ready for this new opponent. I know Cruz is going to come to fight. The fans are going to be the winners in this fight, because we’re both coming in prepared to be at our best. I’m ready to put on a great show on December 5

“Anything can happen in boxing, so I just try to stay on task. I’m always ready to step up to any challenge thrown my way and get the job done.

“This is a more interesting fight now, because we both come forward. This is going to be something great for the fans and another exciting night for the sport of boxing. May the best man win. We’re both coming with our ‘A’ games.

“He can say I haven’t faced someone like him, but he’s never fought anybody like me either. I can box and I can hit. We’ll see what he’s saying when he gets hit in the face.

“December 5 is going to be fireworks for sure. It’s going to be something you can’t miss. Don’t go get your popcorn or anything like that during this fight. This is another tough task, but this is what I’m made for.

“You always have to adapt in boxing. No matter what comes your way. I’m going to adapt to Cruz. I’m figuring out every day how Cruz is thinking and what he’s going to bring to the fight.

“Cruz has impressed me in his past fights. He comes in there to win. He doesn’t look to just hang in there. He wants to go in and take it. He’s not an opponent I can overlook. A win over him would be big for me.

“It is different training to fight a shorter opponent. I usually fight guys taller than me, so it’s an adjustment. It’s another thing I have to adapt to. Everything we’re doing is to figure him out.

“December 5 is going to be a fireworks show. This is going to be one of the best fights of the year. It’s not just a boxing match, it’s an event. Make sure you come out.

“I’m excited to be in this position. I’m grateful for it. I’m trying to continue to grow as a fighter and just improve each day.”

ISAAC CRUZ

“December 5 is going to be a great fight. I’m ready to shock the world and become the next star in the pantheon of Mexican boxing champions.

“I’m ready to put on a show on December 5 at STAPLES Center. There were a wide-array of feelings when I knew I got this fight, but most of all, it made me really motivated to be ready for this opportunity.

“We are not overconfident in any way, but Gervonta has not fought anyone with my style and with my characteristics. We’re working really hard to make sure my style will work the best that it can on December 5.

“The real winner of this fight is going to be the fans. ‘Pitbull’ and ‘Tank’ are going to crash into each other and people will be on the edge of their seats.

“I can guarantee that I’m hungry and motivated to win this fight. I’m fighting for more than myself, I’m fighting for my family and to make my country proud. I know that if I win this fight, it will change my whole career.

“The key to defeating Gervonta is for me to want it more. I want that belt in my hand. It’s going to come down to determination.

“I’m always thankful for the opportunities I get. It’s my job to work hard and take advantage of each opportunity as I get them. I’m going to come forward and present my power. Once he feels my power, the fight is going to turn toward me.

“It’s up to Gervonta to show that he’s a superstar in the ring. I don’t see him as an impossible task to defeat at all.

“I always want to fight the best and Gervonta is one of the best. I’m training really hard so that I’m up to that challenge.”

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

“This is an exciting matchup, with the most exciting fighter in the world, Gervonta Davis, taking on Isaac Cruz, who is a tough lightweight and a bonafide top-10 contender. He has an action-packed style himself and he’s looking to knock ‘Tank’ off his throne.

“Mexico is riding high off of Canelo Alvarez’s historic undisputed championship victory and now there’s a big opportunity for Cruz to stand up for his country and take ‘Tank’ out. I’ve had my eye on Cruz since he knocked out Diego Magdaleno on ‘Tank’s’ undercard last year. I was very impressed with the knockout and knew he might get this opportunity down the line.

“’Tank’ is always ready. He stays ready, so he doesn’t have to get ready. This fight is going to be nothing but fireworks on December 5 and it’s definitely ending in a knockout.

“Cruz is coming to fight. He’s not a last-minute replacement. He was already fighting on this card, so he’s going to be ready. ‘Tank’ is going to have to be on point for every second of this fight, because Cruz puts a lot of mental pressure on you with the way that he fights.”

TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions

“This is going to be an incredible fight on December 5. Los Angeles has been a great boxing city going back over 100 years. Fighters from Mexico City come in with a ton of pride, courage and desire. They flat out don’t want to lose. Cruz is a certified Mexican warrior from Mexico City.

“STAPLES Center has a rich tradition of bringing the biggest and best fights to Los Angeles. With Gervonta Davis, you know there will be an incredible atmosphere in the arena. It’s going to be bombs away and you won’t want to miss it on December 5.”

#          #          #

ABOUT DAVIS VS. CRUZ

Davis vs. Cruz will see five-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis defend his WBA Lightweight Championship against hard-hitting contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz live on SHOWTIME PPV on Sunday, December 5 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in a Premier Boxing Champions event. 

The pay-per-view begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features rising super welterweight star Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora facing fellow unbeaten Sergio Garcia in a WBC Super Welterweight World Title Eliminator that serves as the co-main event. Plus, hard-hitting middleweight contenders Sergiy Derevyanchenko and Carlos Adames square off in a 10-round battle, while top featherweight contender Eduardo Ramirez faces former title challenger Miguel Marriaga in the pay-per-view opener.

Reading, PA (November 15, 2021)–Alycia Baumgardner became the WBC/IBO Junior Lightweight world champion with a crushing fourth round stoppage over reigning and previously undefeated champion Terri Harper at The Sheffield Arena in Sheffield, England.

Baumgardner, who came in as a big underdog at more than 7 to 1, hurt Harper in round two with some hard right hands.

In round four, Baumgardner landed a big right hand that stunned and froze Harper. Harper was basically motionless on her feet. Baumgardner jumped in and landed one more powerful left hook just as referee Mark Lyson was stopping the fight just 23 seconds into the round.

Baumgardner, of Bingham Farms, Michigan via Fremont, Ohio, who is promoted by King’s Promotions, becomes a world champion with a record of 11-1 with seven knockouts.

“The ones that overlooked me, fueled me. People got to see a tad of who Alycia is. Since everyone was booing me, I embraced it and it pumped me up even more. When I landed the punch, I felt all my power hit her right on the chin. When I saw her hurt, I knew just to finish her right now. I thought immediately that I did it, and I am a world champion. I want to unify the division, and I am going to be the undisputed champion,” said Baumgardner.

“I am so proud of Alycia. She showed what a true champion is all about. She came into enemy territory, and came in here and knocked the champion out. Alycia is a special fighter and to win the championship in the fashion that she did was just awesome to witness. There are many major opportunities ahead for her, and when the time is right, we will sit down with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing and look at those options. She deserves time to celebrate this amazing accomplishment,” said Marshall Kauffman, CEO of King’s Promotions.

“Alycia did what I always believed she would do when we signed her three years ago. I knew Alycia would win a world title and it came to fruition. All she needed was one opportunity, and look what happened. I feel that in a very short time, Alycia will be one of, if not the face of women’s boxing,” said Andrew Foy of King’s Promotions.

Chantelle Cameron is on a scouting mission this week as the WBC, IBF and Ring Magazine World Super-Lightweight champion hits the east coast to watch Kali Reis and Jessica Camara on Friday November 19 at the SNHU Arena in Manchester, New Hampshire live worldwide on DAZN – in a clash for the right to fight Cameron for the undisputed title in 2022.
TICKETS START AT $30 (PLUS FEES) AND ARE ON SALE NOW FROM TICKETMASTER.COM
Cameron (15-0 8 KOs) touched down in Mexico City yesterday to attend the WBC Convention and rub shoulders with some of her fellow holders of the famous green and gold belt, and on Wednesday she’ll arrive in New Hampshire to take an up close and personal look at the second installment of the road to undisputed as Reis (18-7-1 5 KOs) takes on Camara (8-2) for the WBA and vacant WBO straps.

Cameron booked her spot in the showcase fight for next year with victory in London over Mary McGhee in an all-action battle at The O2 a fortnight ago, just one of many breathless and exciting women’s World title bouts that have thrilled fans in recent weeks in the UK and America.

The 30 year old expects Reis and Camara to pick up the baton and leave it all in the ring on Friday night, but believe that it will be the American Reis that she’ll go toe-to-toe with for all the marbles next year.

“I think Kali will win on Friday night,” said Cameron. “Jessica is great opposition, a great fighter and tough as they come but I think Kali has the edge – she’ll land cleaner shots, move better and is a technically superior and will win it on points, but I’m excited because it will be a good fight.

“There’s been so many great women’s fights recently, the world title fights are always explosive over the two minute rounds, and I think this will be another one of them.

“I’ve been back in training already last week and getting ready to see who wins, and then I’ll up the levels again as I will know who I am preparing for.

“It was a great fight with Mary, I’ve watched it back couple of times, we put on a good show. It showed that I am improving with every fight, and it was a perfect fight to show those improvements and that I listen and take the instructions well from Jamie Moore.

“I’m getting better and better, and it’s coming in bigger and bigger fights, I don’t want to go stale or get complacent so it’s not just about winning fights but also about performance, that’s important to me.

“It’s so important for me to come out here. I’ll be in New Hampshire on Wednesday, and it’ll be good to see Kali and Camara not just on fight night but on the scales too and just around the hotel. I need to be 100 per cent prepared for the winner and you cannot beat being there in person, watching it on TV is a lot different. You get to see how they handle their business for fight week at the press conference and weigh-in as well as on the night, on my week I was so relaxed and no matter what Mary was doing or saying, I kept my cool and took care of myself, you can’t get under my skin as I am too focused on my job.

“I’m really looking forward to the whole week, I’ve never been to Mexico before, so I am looking forward to meeting the other WBC champions and spending time there too.”

Reis and Camara clash on a massive night of quadruple World title action, topped by Demetrius Andrade (30-0 18 KOs) defending his WBO World Middleweight title against Jason Quigley (19-1 14 KOs). 

Murodjon Akhmadaliev (9-0 7 KOs) defending his WBA and IBF World Super-Bantamweight titles against José Velásquez (26-9-2 19 KOs) and it’s Mexico vs. Puerto Rico in the long-awaited showdown between WBC World Flyweight champion Julio Cesar Martinez (18-1 14 KOs) and McWilliams Arroyo (21-4 16 KOs).

BOSTON (November 15, 2021) – Presenting its fourth event in fewer than 60 days since its inaugural event this past September 24th, Vertex Promotions will end its first year of successfully promoting professional boxing events, “Fall Brawl,” this Saturday (Nov. 20) night at its Boston suburb home, Mosely’s On The Charles in Dedham, Massachusetts.

Many of the Northeast’s most promising and popular prospects will be in action in the intimate surroundings at Mosely’s.

GO HERE TO WATCH PROMO VIDEO:

Undefeated 23-year-old lightweight RayJay “The Destroyer” Bermudez (14-0, 11 KOs), the reigning ABF American West and NBA Continental champion from Albany (NY), will headline his third Vertex card in the 8-round, main event (non-title fight) against Colombian veteran Daulis Prescott (32-14, 24 KOs).

Prescott fought Nicholas Walters for the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) Featherweight World title in 2012. He is the younger brother of Breidis Prescott, who shocked the boxing world in 2008, when he knocked out 2004 Olympic silver medalist and future 3-time World champion Amir Khan in the opening round.

In the co-feature event, undefeated welterweight prospect James “The Slim Reaper” Perella (8-0, 6 KOs), of Mansfield (MA), faces Floridian Andre Byrd (8-11-2, 1 KO) in Perella’s first scheduled 8-round bout.

Perella, 29, was a standout USA Boxing amateur as a 4-time USA New England and 4-time New England Golden Gloves champion.

Another hot, undefeated prospect, Weymouth (MA) boxer Francis “Frank The Tank” Hogan (8-0, 8 KOs), goes for his 9th win with his 9th KO in a 6-round Special Super Welterweight Attraction against his Mexican opponent, Danny “Venado” Flores (15-25-1, 8 KOs). Hogan is the reigning New Hampshire super welterweight champion, as well as a 2019 New England Golden Gloves gold medalist.

In four 6-rounders, New Bedford (MA) middleweight Drew “Tomahawk” Dwelly (3-0-2, 3 KOs) faces Ginno Montoya (0-6), Springfield (MA) super lightweight super lightweight Eric “Gladiator” Goff (4-0, 3 KOs)) throws down with . Austin Reed Ward (0-9), and undefeated Colorado super middleweight “The Amazing” Shawn McCalman (9-0, 5 KOs), the ABF American West champion, has been added to the card versus David Rohn (0-9-1).

Tommy “The Kid” O’Toole moved to Friday’s DAZN show in Manchester, NH

Irish light heavyweight prospect Tommy “The Kid” O’Toole (1-0, 1 KO) was originally scheduled to fight on this Saturday’s Vertex show, but he was moved to Friday (Nov. 19) evening’s Andrade-Quigley card, streaming live on DAZN from SHNU Arena (former Verizon Center) in Manchester New Hampshire.

The 23-year-old O’Toole (1-0, 1 KO), fighting out of Galway, Ireland, won his pro debut this past September 25th on a Vertex show at Moseley’s in which he knocked down Francisco Ariri Neto three times for a spectacular first-round knockout. O’Toole is matched against Texan Mark Malone (1-0) this Friday in a 4-round bout.

Also scheduled to fight on the undercard in 4-round matches are Dorchester (MA) featherweight Troy Anderson, Jr. (1-0, 1 KO), a 2016 Rocky Marciano Tournament champion, vs. Ecuadorian Ronny Arana (0-2), Malden (MA) super featherweight Alex Rivera (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Deshawn Kennedy (0-4), Boston welterweight James Murrin (1-0) vs. pro-debuting Miguel Valencia, of Worcester (MA), Kansas City (KS) super lightweight Marcus Davidson (1-0, 1 KO) vs. pro-debuting Marlon Hardnick, and Salem’s (MA) pro-debuting welterweight Kenny Larson vs. Seigenald Daley, Jr. (0-1).

Card is subject to change.

Tickets are on sale for $150.00 (ringside), $65.00 (general admission), $50.00 (standing room) and $2000.00 for a table of 10. To purchase tickets, go online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/vertex-promotions-fall-brawl-tickets-192621806007, or contact any of the competing fighters. Limited tickets may be available fight night at the door.

Doors will open at 7 pm. ET with the first bout scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. ET.

LAS VEGAS, NV (November 15, 2021) – Welterweight contender, Thomas Dulorme (25-6-1, 16 KOs), has officially submitted a letter to the Nevada State Athletic Commission, disputing the result of his bout against Jaron Ennis (28-0, 26 KOs), in which he claims he was hit with an illegal rabbit punch to the back of the head. The fight took place at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Saturday, October 30, 2021.

Dulorme respectfully requests that the Nevada State Athletic Commission overturn the knockout loss to a no decision due to the referee’s outcome-determinative error.

Prior the bout, the assigned in-ring referee, Mike Ortiz, instructed the fighters that a punch to the back of an opponent’s head would constitute an illegal blow subject to penalty, as codified under:
?
NAC?467.675?Acts constituting fouls in boxing.
The following acts constitute fouls in boxing:
12.?Using a rabbit punch or otherwise striking an opponent on the back of the head, the base of the skull or the back of the neck.
Dulorme and Ennis affirmed that they understood the rule. However, at the one-minute mark of the first round, Ennis threw a right hook that landed squarely to the back of Dulorme’s head. Despite his spirited efforts, the illegal blow rendered Dulorme dazed, unbalanced, and physically incapable of adequately defending himself against his opponent. Consequently, Dulorme was knocked down a second time 49 seconds later and could not rise to his feet before being counted out by Mr. Ortiz.

“I feel I wasn’t given the allocated time to recover by the referee, after getting hit from what was clearly an illegal rabbit punch to the back on my head, forcing me to fight at a disadvantage,” said Dulorme. “Jaron Ennis is a great fighter and I’m not taking anything away from his talent, I’m just disputing that I should have been given the allotted time to regain my composure. I’m hoping that Nevada State Athletic Commission will honor my appeal based on their rules.”

Baltimore, MD (November 15, 2021) — Jeter Promotions has signed undefeated super middleweight prospect Mansaborie Conde to a promotional contract.

Conde, 22 years-old of Laurel, Maryland has a professional record of 3-0 with two knockouts.

“Monzo is a terrific prospect. I look forward to helping him develop into a world class fighter, and eventually we see him in big fights.” said Tony Jeter, who along with with his wife Christen, makeup Jeter Promotions.

Conde started boxing at the age of nine and quickly fell in love with the sport.

He had an amateur record of 49-12, which included winning a State Golden Gloves Tournament in 2010.

“I have known and been working with Tony Jeter since I was an amateur. I know he is a great guy. I used to train at the gym that his wife owns, Odenton Fitness. I am trained by Calvin Ford and I train alongside Gervonta Davis and Lorenzo Simpson,” said Conde.

Conde describes himself as a boxer-puncher, who is very versatile.

“Being with Jeter Promotions will bring me lots of eyes and eventually a world title shot. I know Jeter Promotions will be able to help me up the rankings,” finished Conde.

Conde will make his Jeter Promotions debut on Friday, December 3rd at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (Nov. 15, 2021) – Although Daniel Ponce de Leon officially retired from boxing following his last bout more than seven years ago, the 41-year-old father of four has not completely removed himself from the sport in which he procured two world titles during a stellar 14-year career.

Since Miguel Roman stopped him on June 7, 2014, De Leon (45-7, 35 KOs) has remained active in the sweet science by training Mexican fighters Aaron Silver, Julio Madera, and Luis Varano, and serving as a boxing commentator for Fox Deportes, Estrella TV, and Facebook Live.

Returning competitively to the sport that brought him fame and fortune, the Mexican boxing legend will lace up the gloves one final time when he squares off against Hall of Famer Marco Antonio Barrera (67-7, 44 KOs) Saturday, Nov 20, 2021, on pay per view. The six-round super welterweight exhibition and four additional bouts will air live from the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino in Mescalero, New Mexico.

FITE PPV and Golden Boy Fight Night on Facebook Watch Paid Online will televise the five-bout main card live on pay per view for $9.99 at 4:30 p.m. PT /5:30 p.m. MT/7:30 p.m. ET.

“Boxing is in my blood, and it is difficult to leave it,” said the Chihuahua, Mexico, native. “I was already anxious to fight again before I talked to (promoter) Teresa Tapia and am thrilled to return. Time has passed quickly and here I am ready to fight again.”

In addition to commentating and training championship hopefuls, De Leon aims to demonstrate to the younger generation that seasoned veterans can also prove their mettle in the squared circle.

“I want to show that age does not matter, and it is possible to succeed in the ring after seven years away,” said the El Monte, Calif., resident. “I am happy to still be able to do what I love the most.”

Admitting that it was initially difficult to shake off the ring rust, De Leon remains confident that boxing enthusiasts will see his best on Nov. 20.

“It was difficult to catch the training rhythm and lose weight at the beginning of my return. Now I go running every day, shadow box, work the mitts, spar a few rounds, and finish off each session with strength exercises and stretching. I will be ready to show my best.”

While many fighters list taking home a world title as their greatest boxing accomplishment, the proud papa reflects upon his professional career from a unique perspective.

“I have beautiful memories from my boxing career,” De Leon reminisced. “I will never forget the happiness on my kids’ faces when they saw me win my fights. They were always with me watching from the front row.”

The former two-division world champion is eager to display his skills and holds nothing but the utmost respect for his upcoming opponent.

“Barrera is a great warrior who fought many historic opponents,” said the 2000 Mexican Olympic team member who battled eight world titleholders during his pro career. “It is an honor to face such a great Mexican champion.”

After securing a bronze medal at the 1999 Pan American Games during his amateur boxing career, De Leon claimed the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) super bantamweight title in October 2005 and made six successful defenses.

Nearly seven years after earning his first world title, the southpaw slugger collected a second with an eight-round technical decision over Jhonny Gonzalez in September 2012 to take home the World Boxing Council (WBC) featherweight crown.

Raised in the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range in Mexico, De Leon is a member of the Tarahumara tribe, a group of indigenous people renowned for long-distance running.

“The Tarahumara Warrior” who overcame extreme poverty during his early childhood years living in Chihuahua, will provide everything he has during his final pro contest five days before Thanksgiving against “The Baby-Faced Assassin.”

“Fans everywhere can expect the best of me,” De Leon insisted. “I have taken this seriously and plan to put up a good fight against Barrera.”

In the first exciting pay-per-view co feature, undefeated Abel Mendoza (30-0, 23 KOs) of El Paso, Texas, hopes to keep his perfect record intact and ascend to the upper echelon of the 135-pound division when he takes on Mexican brawler Victor Zaleta (20-5-1, 10 KOs) in a 10-round clash.

Rounding out the pay-per-view card will be a welterweight showdown of hard-hitting Albuquerque pugilists as undefeated Clinton Chavez (5-0, 4 KOs) faces once-beaten Cristian Castillo (3-1, 3 KOs), as well as a 270-pound battle royale pitting two Streetbeefs standouts making their pro boxing debuts when Cody Beck takes on Jonathan Rice.

Kicking off the festivities, Golden Boy Fight Night on Facebook Watch Facebook.com/GoldenBoyFN and FITE will stream Nicco Tapia’s debut and four additional outstanding preliminary bouts for free at 2 p.m. PT/3 p.m. MT/5 p.m. ET.

A Spanish-language broadcast will be available as a viewing option for both the pay-per-view and preliminary bouts.

Those hoping to attend the unforgettable, 10-fight Tapia Promotions extravaganza in person can purchase tickets starting at $75 through innofthemountaingods.com and  TicketMaster.com by searching “La Ultima Batalla – The Last Stand.”

About BARRERA-DE LEON: La Ultima Batalla (The Last Stand)

Two legendary former world champions return to the boxing ring one final time for a special six-round welterweight exhibition, as Tapia Promotions presents Barrera vs. Ponce De Leon “La Ultima Batalla” – “The Last Stand” on Saturday, Nov 20, at the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino in Mescalero, New Mexico. The thrilling five-fight main card will be available via pay-per-view for $9.99 through both FITE PPV and Golden Boy Fight Night on Facebook Watch Paid Online at 4:30 p.m. PT /5:30 p.m. MT/7:30 p.m. ET.  For the audiences watching in Mexico, both FITE and Golden Boy Fight Night on Facebook Watch Paid Online will offer a Spanish-language broadcast of the event for $4.99. Kicking off the festivities two hours earlier, Golden Boy Fight Night on Facebook Watch Facebook.com/GoldenBoyFN and FITE will stream the five outstanding preliminary bouts for free at 2:30 p.m. PT/3:30 p.m. MT/5:30 p.m. ET.

Tickets starting at $75 are available through innofthemountaingods.com and  TicketMaster.com by searching “La Ultima Batalla – The Last Stand.”

About TAPIA PROMOTIONS

Teresa Tapia formed Tapia Promotions to continue the legacy of her legendary late husband, six-time world champion/Hall of Famer Johnny Tapia by providing thrilling boxing events to fight fans everywhere. One of the first female boxing promoters in the United States, Teresa successfully managed Johnny Tapia’s career from 1995-2011, and accepted his 2017 induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBOF). Additionally, in 2004, Teresa became the first and only female boxing manager in sweet science history to receive a special recognition award from the IBOF. The multi-faceted promoter branched out in 2020 to produce the sports reality series “Stars and Champions,” which featured an intimate look at boxers’ lives both inside and outside of the ring.

About FITE

FITE is the premium global platform for live sports and entertainment offering many of the industry’s marquee PPV events and SVOD packages with over 5MM registered users. FITE is available worldwide through its iOS and Android mobile apps, Apple TV, Android TV, ROKU, Amazon Fire TV, and Huawei apps. In addition, FITE supports Samsung, LG, Cox Contour, Vizio SmartCast™, Virgin Media, Shaw Communications’ Blue Curve IPTV, Foxxum, Chromecast, PS4, XBOX, ZEASN, Netrange, Vidaa/Hisense, VEWD, Netgem TV, Comcast’s Xfinity 1 and Xfinity Flex as well as 7,000 models of Smart TVs. Available online at www.FITE.tv. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIN and Facebook. FITE: It’s ON.

About GOLDEN BOY

Los Angeles-based Golden Boy was established in 2002 by Oscar De La Hoya, the first Hispanic to own a national boxing promotional company. Golden Boy is a media and entertainment brand committed to making fighting entertainment more accessible and affordable. The company’s in-house production team develops creative original programming for RingTV.com and international channels across the globe. The company holds the exclusive rights to top boxers and has promoted some of the biggest and highest grossing events in the history of the sport. Now, Golden Boy is one of the most successful boxing entertainment companies in the world and shapes the future of boxing for fighters and fans alike. 

Jason Quigley believes he’ll have the crowd on his side as he expects his Irish fans to roar him to victory when he challenges Demetrius Andrade for the WBO World Middleweight title at the SNHU Arena in Manchester, New Hampshire on Friday November 19, live worldwide on DAZN.
TICKETS START AT $30 (PLUS FEES) AND ARE ON SALE NOW FROM TICKETMASTER.COM
Quigley (19-1 14 KOs) is the second Irishman to try to take the crown from Andrade (30-0 18 KOs) after Luke Keeler was stopped in the ninth round of his attempt in Miami in January 2020, and now the 30 year old tries to work out the Rhode Island puzzle that no pro has been able to solve so far against the two weight champion.

The Donegal man landed in Boston over the weekend before making the short drive up to Manchester for the biggest night of his career, and legions of Irish fight fans are expected to make that trip along with fans from New York and Ireland itself, and that’s the kind of backing Quigley believes can get him over the line on the night – but he’s staying calm and treating it like every other fight he’s had.

“It’s going to be very exciting,” said Quigley. “There’s nothing like the Irish fans and I cannot really imagine what it’s going to be like come fight night. We all know how loud and proud they are and that’s giving me more excitement, and these are the types of things as well that can get fighters through a difficult period of a fight.

“When you are in the ring and you are hurt, you go down, something is not going to plan – when you hear the crowd roaring you on that can give you the extra lift and percentage to get you over the line. Hopefully it won’t come to that, but I know that the support is going to be there and I’m grateful for the fans that have been messaging me and that are coming to the fight.

“In the build-up to the fight it’s about controlling emotions, the nervous energy, you have the natural excitement inside of course, but I have a job to do on November 19, to get in there and take care of business. That’s been the mindset for me, I have prepared as hard for this fight as any other that I’ve had.

“Of course, there’s more on the line than before, but it has to be business as usual. I have thoughts and visions of winning the belt and I am glad, because that shows that I have the self-belief that I can win this fight.”

Quigley’s clash with Andrade is part of a massive quadruple header of World title action, with Murodjon Akhmadaliev (9-0 7 KOs) defending his WBA and IBF World Super-Bantamweight titles against José Velásquez (26-9-2 19 KOs).

It’s Mexico vs. Puerto Rico in the long-awaited showdown between WBC World Flyweight champion Julio Cesar Martinez (18-1 14 KOs) and McWilliams Arroyo (21-4 16 KOs) and the fourth World title bout on the bill is the second step on the path to crowning an undisputed women’s champion at 140lbs as Kali Reis (18-7-1 5 KOs) takes on Jessica Camara (8-2) for the WBA, IBO and vacant WBO straps.

Los Angeles, CA – November 15, 2021 – Probellum is delighted to announce the promotional signing of unbeaten British, Commonwealth and European bantamweight champion Lee McGregor.

Scottish sensation McGregor (11-0, 9 KOs) is widely-regarded as one of the best rising stars in all of boxing, with the 24-year-old already firmly established as one of the top 118lb fighters in the world after just 11 fights.

He won the European title in emphatic fashion earlier this year, viciously stopping defending champion Karim Guerfi in the very first round, before following that up with a fourth round stoppage win against Vincent Legrand in August.

McGregor also holds wins over the likes of Kash Farooq and Thomas Essomba during his career, and is currently ranked #3 with the IBF, #6 with the WBA, #7 with the WBC, #12 with the WBO, and #10 with the Ring Magazine.

He is the latest big name to sign with Probellum, joining an elite roster that includes Regis Prograis, Nonito Donaire, Badou Jack, Donnie Nietes, Eimantas Stanionis, Arthur Biyarslanov, Taras Shelestyuk, Ricky Burns, Paul Butler, Lewis Ritson, Muhammad Waseem, Hovhannes Bachkov, Darius Fulghum, Eduardo Hernandez, Mark Dickinson, Brandon Moore, Jack Bowen and Jason Mallia.

Probellum has also secured co-promotional agreements with Wasserman Boxing, Universum in Germany, Groupe Yvon Michel in Canada, Maravillabox Promotions in Spain, Kynoch Boxing in Scotland, Mitchell Sports Promotions in England, LNK Boxing in Latvia, Titov Boxing in Russia, Glozier Boxing in New Zealand, Cuadrilatero Boxing in Colombia, PR Best Boxing in Puerto Rico, BXSTRS Promotions in Mexico, Shuan Boxing Promotions in the Dominican Republic, Bufalo Boxing in Nicaragua, Team Ellis Boxing in Australia, Moron Boxing in Venezuela, Volcano Boxing in El Salvador, Armin Tan Promotions in Indonesia, and Box Office Sports in Ghana.

“I’m absolutely delighted to be signing with Probellum. I believe with Probellum backing me and guiding me I won’t just become a world champion, but I’ll also become a multi-weight world champion,” said McGregor.

“I’m looking forward to some huge nights ahead and hopefully getting closer to my dream fighting at Tynecastle Park and over in the States.”

“We are ecstatic to welcome a fighter of Lee McGregor’s ability to the team here at Probellum,” said Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum. “In such a short space of time he has proven himself as one of the best bantamweight fighters on the planet, and this is only the start of what we’re certain is going to be a long and successful career.

“He is already a superstar in Scotland and the UK, and we’re confident he can now take that popularity to a worldwide level. There will be more news revealed soon about Lee and the future is going to be very bright.”

For live news and updates, be sure to follow Probellum on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

By Norm Frauenheim (Ringside) –

PHOENIX – There was a crowd of about 8,000. And there was an audience of one.

David Benavidez hopes he heard them.

All along, the Benavidez campaign has been about Canelo Alvarez. He’s been chasing Canelo for a couple of years. On Saturday, he delivered another performance in a homecoming that keeps him squarely in the mix for a shot at the undisputed super-middleweight champion.

Benavidez (25-0, 25 KOs) beat a tough Kyrone Davis (16-3-1, 6 KOs), forcing Davis’ corner to throw in the towel early in the seventh round at The Footprint Center.

“I think everybody wants to see me fight Canelo, right? Benavidez said in the middle of the ring moments after his victory.

The crowd roared yes. A Showtime audience heard it. Maybe, Canelo did too. The echoes will be there weeks from now as Canelo thinks about who’s next. There’s plenty of talk about a Benavidez-Canelo showdown on May 7. It’s a perfect match – Benavidez, a Mexican-American against Canelo, a Mexican — for the Cinco de Mayo celebration.

But Canelo, deliberate in the ring and out of it, said he won’t be in a rush to make a decision. He has the belts. He has the pay-per-view numbers. He has options aplenty. He has the time. He’s has it all.

For now, Benavidez can only wait. That won’t be easy.

“I don’t care what his assessment of my fight is,’’ Benavidez said of Canelo. “But they keep putting these contenders in front of me. 

“…They need to give me the opportunity. I’ll go through anybody.’’

At 24, Benavidez is still a maturing fighter with poise and power. He’s anxious to test that poise, use the power against the biggest name in the game.

Both were evident, again and again, through six rounds against Davis, who took huge shots from a relentless assault from the taller Benavidez.

Benavidez is known for throwing a so-called volume of punches. But there was no silencing Davis, a Terence Crawford sparring partner who agreed to the fight just two weeks before opening bell.  In the end, Davis trainer Stephen Edwards stepped in with a timely decision. It was time to end it. He did so at 47 seconds of the round

“David Benavidez is a tremendous fighter,’’ Edwards said. “He’s a monster.

“We fought. We tried to win. We didn’t come here to lay down. I think a lot people through that was the case. But I love this kid. I didn’t want to see him get hurt.’’

Seconds after the towel landed in the center of the ring, Benavidez showed his appreciation for Davis. He hugged him.

“He thanked me, thanked me for being a warrior,’’ Davis said.

David Benavidez’ victory helped his family and his fans forget about brother Jose Benavidez Jr.’s debatable majority draw with Argentine Francisco Torres (17-3-1, 5 KOs) in 10-round fight contracted to be at 159 pounds. Two judges scored it 95-95 each. One judged scored it 96-94 for Jose, who was fighting for the first time in three years. 15 Rounds scored it 96-94 for Torres.  

“I don’t know how I got a draw,’’ Jose Jr. (27-2, 18 KOs) said.  “We can run it back. I beat him. I thought I beat him. He kept running. He didn’t want to stay in the pocket. I can’t do anything about the judges’ decisions. I felt good. He just kept holding. I beat him every round. What can I do?

“I beat him. I beat him. He wasn’t hitting me hard. He just kept holding.’’

But the crowd seems to think otherwise. It booed Jose Benavidez. It cheered Torres.

In the end, however, there were only cheers.

For both David Benavidez and Davis.

Best of the Undercard

Junior-middleweight Elijah Garcia (9-0, 8 KOs) of nearby Glendale AZ, opened the show, flashing some prospect possibilities with a succession of power shots for a fifth-round TKO of Todd Manuel (2-91-1, 6 KOs) of Rayne, LA.

The Rest

Micky Scala (3-0, 1 KO), a Mesa AZ junior-middleweight who recently signed with Floyd Mayweather, endured some head-rocking shots, countered and in the end won a four-round unanimous decision over Martez Jackson (5-6-3, 2 KOs) of Macon GA.

Jesus Ibarra (12-0, 6 KOs), a junior-welterweight from Mesa AZ, calls himself Monsoon. He showed why in the second, storming Mexican Hector (12-14-2, 6 KOs) for a TKO victory at 2:05 of the round.

Farid Ngoga (12-0, 11 KOs), a junior-middleweight from Glendale AZ, employed a mix of speed and precision for a unanimous decision over Isaac Freeman (3-10-2, 3 KOs) of Los Angeles.

Junior-lightweight Jonathan Fierro (12-0, 11 KOs) didn’t waste any time. It took him 29 seconds to blow out fellow Mexican Victor Ruiz (13-12, 11 KOs). Officially it was a technical knockout. Nothing technical about it.

Phoenix featherweight Keenan Carbajal (23-2-1, 15 KOs) was too big for an overmatched Josean Bonilla (12-7-2, 9 KOs), who was bloodied and beaten after three rounds. The referee ended it after just two second of the fourth.